Thursday, March 24, 2011

Looking for cookie recipes guaranteed to be moist and chewy.....?

I've tried several recipes in anticipation of Christmas - double chocolate cookies and an orange slice cookie that sort of resembles a miniature fruit cake. Here's the problem: The cookies are WONDERFUL right out of the oven, but after they cool awhile they just get dry and crumbly. Since I'm making cookies for gift baskets and others for holiday gatherings, I can't just serve them to everyone right out of the oven....am I doing something wrong, or are there cookie recipes that will stay moist and chewy the morning after? :-) (I typically use butter instead of margarine or shortening....could this be a factor?)
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Try decreasing the flour in the recipe by 2 tbsp. Sometimes flour can clump up and be "heavy". You can always bake a test cookie and see if they're too gooey. If so add 1 tbsp. flour and bake another. You can accomplish a lot by reducing the flour a little. Still too hard? Add another tbsp of butter and see if that helps. Store them with a cut apple or a piece of soft bread to keep them soft.
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What should I bring my host family in Costa Rica?

They live on a small farm. There is a mother who is 38, and we are considering bringing her an apron from Anthropologie, which are about 38 dollars, and very nice. The husband is a driver, and he is 45, I don't know what to bring him. There is an 18 year old boy, and again, I don't know what to bring him. There is a 12 year old girl, should i bring her something like nail polish, or slippers( cute girly ones)? And last, there is an 8 year old girl, and I am thinking to get her something similar to what I get the 12 year old. And last, I am thinking to get them a family gift of linens or towels. My mom lived in a foreign country, and was poor when she was young, so she thinks towels would be nice. It is most likely that the family is very poor, so I will NOT be bringing candy or coffee, or gift baskets, I would like to bring something nice and useful. Also, I'm a girl and 14, if it makes a difference. thank you
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Would the father like some high quality tools for his farm? A new toolbox or something along those lines? The 18 year old boy might enjoy a soccer ball, again, high quality so it won't break. I wouldn't get the 12 & 8 year olds nail polish slippers, instead I would bring the 12 year old maybe a kit or something with nice (not plastic) beads she can make into jewelry. The 8 year old girl might enjoy some stuffed animals or a doll with clothes, if that seems young enough to enjoy that. Or you could do something like give the 12 year old a book with the thread to make friendship bracelets and such (Klutz has one of these) and the 8 year old something with beads (again, Klutz) so that they have something to do thats advanced enough or whatever for them. Hope I helped have fun in costa rica! -D
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i am going to ..?

i am going to make gift baskets and sell them at flea markets and my moms freinds and coworkers. do you think this is a good idea? what should i put in them how much should i charge
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you need to calculate, how much you want to make if you sell the whole basket, what is the (( Return On Investment ))...the things you need to think about is how much it is going to cost you... e.g. if you bought 100 items for $0.5 each, and sell the item for $1 that 100% percent profit... some people don't even bother if the item is expensive or cheap, as long as the price tag is relativly low .. people like to buy some AMAZING stuff for little money, put you can start by Home Made stuff, like candies, cockies,.. put the problem with food... you really have to sell all of them, otherwise you will end up eating all the basket .. lol ... you can sell Very Tiny Small Toys for kids, stuff that make people cheerful, happy
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What can I send to someone who just had esophogeal surgery?

My friend's father has cancer and just had surgery. Its a long recovery and is coming home this weekend. What can I send? I wanted to send a gift basket with puzzles and sodoku and things like that, but all the gift baskets have food. I don't want anything with food in it. Can you help me find a good one!?!?!
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Then what about a basket of flowers and the sudoku?
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How do I get ahold of celebrity publicists info like addresses/email addresses, etc?

I own a baby hair accessory company which has just started to really take off. We have been published on various celeb baby blogs & in May, we're being featured in Pregnancy & Newborn magazine in an article concerning celeb baby style, specifically-Violet Affleck ( Jennifer Garner's daughter). My hair clippies have been sent to Violet Affleck in the past as gifts, and one pic of her wearing my hair clippies was published by the press. I have also recently been contacted about doing some celeb baby baskets. So my question is, how do I get my products to other celeb babies? How do I find celeb addresses/their publicists addresses? I would VERY much prefer to send my hair clippies to certain celebs on a regular basis, like 1/month rather than having it be like a 1x/year thing for press/gift basket situations. Any help out there??
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I suggest you get an agent or talk to an advertising firm about your vision. *cheers*
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searching for perfume in a yellow spray bottle but don't know the name...any ideas?

I received it in a fancy gift basket so it's not from a box store (i.e. WakMart Kmart Target etc) It was a scent I cannot properly describe...it's been awhile since the empty bottle was thrown out.
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OBSERVE LESSENCE
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Wedding gift ideas for a man-man wedding?

That's right! The wife and I have been invited to a m/m wedding! I'm thinking an assorted meat basket from the local butcher is probably not such a good idea. The more the gift costs, the more sloshed I get. I always drink my wedding gifts back. I like gifts that attract attention. POLL: COW or PIG?
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Matching "I'm with the gay guy" T shirts.
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I need help with a business name?

My husband and I each have our own side business going and we need help with names. Should we have one name to include both businesses or a name for each business ? I make diaper cakes, baby gift baskets, baby sock bouquets, diaper wreaths, nursery night lights etc. I am also a graphic designer and do baby shower invitations and announcements. My husband builds wooden cribs, high chairs and toy boxes. I hand paint designs on the toy boxes. Any ideas would be appreciated !!
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WOW! You guys do A LOT. I got tired just reading about it all.lol. First thing that came to my mind was "Infant Emporium", others: Baby Land Gift Universe Hand Made Baby Gifts and Such Oh! Baby Best of luck, http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/63…
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Good ideas for Gifts for Clients?

I am looking for some good ideas for gifts to give our clients. I am in the sports industry and work with the entertainment part of the game. last year we sent a 6 pack of corona to our clients (minus one saying we started with out them) as a joke saying the season is over, now its time to relax on us. I don't want to send cheesy gifts like pens, or paper weights, but something that will stick out. Also, I WILL NOT SEND A GIFT BASKET. Any thoughts?
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A personalized gift is very distinctive and something all individuals will enjoy . . . Personalized Tablets and Memo Squares . . . now on sale for $19.95 with holder. Many designs from which to choose. http://www.classiccommunication.com/stationery.htm You can view a large selection of top quality folded notes and correspondence cards starting at $30.95. Looking forward to being of service. Barbara
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Art gift to my brother for christmas?

so I like to be prepared, so I just had a quick question. I want to give my brother (who is an amazing artist) an art-like gift. like a little basket of things you'd get an artist. he likes painting, and sketching. no coloring. and if he paints, it's on a canvas. I don't know anything about art.. do they have small canvases? and small paint things? I have a budget of like NO more than 20 bucks. we are really close, so I just wanted a little something. he's never been one to get me anything, but I can't help myself but to get him something. so, where is the cheapest place that you know of to get artsy stuff? please help artists!
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art stuff id too expensive for you i think. i spend more than that each time i go. but... i like that you are thinking that way!.. how about... tickets to an art museum near you?
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Valentines day gift (hopefully home made) for my boyfriend. We are 17.?

We both agreed no gifts but i am making a little basket/package for valentines day. i am writing i love you on oreos with frosting and making a cd and stuff. cute little things. what else should i include.
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a condom
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Special gift for bride?

A close friend of mine is getting married overseas and i am unable to go due to work. Because I can't be there on the day I was thinking that I would put together a box/basket of little gifts for her before the wedding and while on their honeymoon. Does anyone think this is a good idea and do you have sugestions. I was thinking things like a face mask, massage oil, candles, bath salts...
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Ooh! Ooh! Check out this site! I would LOVE to get something off these guys..! They have exactly what you are describing and I think it's a fantastic idea! A little pricey though, so it's up to you to decide.. http://www.bridalsurvival.com.au/shop/ Seriously, that's a really thoughtful idea..!
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What do I get for the office gift-switch?

I was invited by my old coworkers to attend their yearly Christmas luncheon... eight women. Every year, we spend $5-$10 for the exchange. I was thinking of putting together a little basket with Christmas pines, holly, those glittery flowers/branches and then lights (sort of a decorator thing), but I want something else to go with it. What should I get? I haven't seen most of these ladies since May, so I do want to get something nice for the exchange. I'm just stuck as to what "else". Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks :)
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A holiday scented candle?
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What would be a good gift for my kickboxing teacher?

My instructor is 2 time world tae quan do champion from South Korea. He teaches an all female kickboxing class that I attend. I want to give him a gift for Xmas and I need some ideas. Thing is, he also has his wife and two kids (one is 5, one is 7) at work with him (the wife baby sits the kids of the othe women who take the class) and I was wondering if should give one big gift for the family, like a fruit basket, or individual gifts? Would a gift certificate to Costco (which he uses for his business) be ok or an insult?
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one thats very nice of you... two the fruit basket and a nice card.
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how do you keep chocolate dipped things from melting!!?

i make chocolate dipped pretzels strawberries ans spoons. how do i keep them from melting when i put choc. spoons in a gift basket, they need to stay out of the fridge for awhile but i know they will melt. how can i keep it from melting????
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate#T… tempering the Chocolate will make it go hard and glass like when cool, still edible, and very tasty. best not to refrigerate though, chocolate doesn't like cold and wet. for strawberries you may therefore have to make them close to when you need them.
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Retirement gifts?????????????????

My Grandma is retiring soon and my dad sister and I were thinking about making her a gift basket full of hobbies(like painting or sewing), but she isn't into art, she doesn't like animals, she doesn't sew, knit ,crochet etc. She loves to read. Any ideas?
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One unique idea you should think about is a personalized Photo Collage Jigsaw Puzzle. This can bring together all your grandma's favorite things into one composite photo collage layout and the enjoyment of solving the puzzle. A Photo Collage is easy to order. Just send the guys at jigsaw2order.com a collection of your grandma's favorite photos and specify other themes such as Boston Terriers, Snoopy and favorite movies that you want to include. 10-20 photos usually works best. You can also specify the words to a favorite song or poem. Based on your photos and input, let the professional designers at jigsaw2order.com create a unique photo collage layout for your approval before making it into a puzzle. Don't worry, you get a chance to review and approve the photo collage design before they make a puzzle. Once completed, it can be framed and put on the wall as a great keepsake.
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GUYS... Which Valentines Day gift would you want...?

It's me and my boyfriends first valentines day. Of course, he doesn't want anything so I decided to give him what I like to call "gifts from my heart" ;) I already made him '"love coupons." I'm trying to decide out of two other gifts. So guys, I need your help. Would you rather have... A. A junk food basket with all your favorite treats. or B. Homemade chocolate chip cookies and homemade chocolate covered strawberries. Have any other ideas?? Let me know!!! THANKS!!
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make your own basket with a mix of both. Bag of chips, pretzles, Mtn. Dew, and some homemade cookies. personally, i'd like a basket of cookies and some Coke or Dew
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Advertising Ideas?

I am trying to launch a gift basket company from home. Hopefully getting a jump start during the holidays. I need to advertise, in some places that can be quick, economical and might actually get me some customers. Any good ideas would be appreciated. The gift basket company would be based out of Los Angeles. Thanks for reading.
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Don't spend your money for adv. just go start sale it on EBAY,good luck.
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What is the age to buy sex related things at Spencer's Gifts?

How old do you have to be to buy things like handcuffs and whips at Spencers? We're putting together a novelty basket for a buddy of mine but we're all 17. Thanks in advance for the info.
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Dildos and other sex toys are 18 but I would think that handcuffs and whips would be okay if your 17... It depends on if spencer's defines those products as "sex toys" or as novelty gifts. I would just try. the worst they can do is say no right?
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How to handle this situation with my siblings???

I am the youngest of six kids, with a signifigant gap between the first five and myself. Both of my parents passed away prior to my turning 20, so my brothers and sisters have always been an important part of my life. We are all very close, although admittedly most of the work in keeping the relationship close comes from me since I moved several states away from the family. Recently, I found out my oldest brother (who I am extremely close to) is seriously ill. His wife asked me to contact the other siblings and to let everyone know that for right now, my brother simply is not ready to talk to anyone and wants as little attention drawn to the illness as possible. I called the others and passed along all the info. One of the other siblings took it upon himself to send a gift basket to the ill brother as a way to offer support, even though I made it clear that this was not wanted. He signed my name to the basket. When I found out, I was very upset and worried how my oldest brother
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In all honesty, if you have an older sibling who is seriously ill, I wonder why everyone is wasting time and energy arguing over a gift basket. It's done, it's over. Arguing isn't going to change that. Your brother probably didn't want a lot of attention drawn to the illness right now because he's just trying to learn to deal with it himself. Ok. Your brother's wife's wishes should have been respected, but I doubt that a gift basket is the end of the world. Talk to your brother's wife and see how he reacted to it. If it bothered him, you can tell her that it was sent out of love from your other sibling and no harm was meant. If it didn't bother him, then there's been much ado about nothing. Tell her to give your love to your brother and to let you know when you can call or visit.
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in spore during the tribal stage how do i give my allies gifts?

i am already allies, how do I give THEM food baskets?
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Simply have one of your guys take some food and place it on their "food mat" in their camp. This will make them happy and generally they will accept it.
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does anyone know where to get nag champa cologne, shampoo, soap, etc...?

my boyfriend loves the smell of nag champa. i want to buy him a gift basket for christmas. a lot of selection would be great. thank you!!!!
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www.nagchampa.com very cool site indeed. Your Welcome.
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Valentines day gifts?

This question is for both males & females, If you were gonna give/receive a sexy gift basket for valentines day, what would you like to have in it? Ex. chocolate roses, fuzzy hand cuffs, edible undies.
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i would want some aphrodisiacs in that basket. that's what i call a basket-ful o' goodies =) lol
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basket for friend in surgery..?

me and 4 other bffs are going to put in 10 dollars each to by a gift basket for a friend who will be recieving surgery tomarrow. what do you suggjest we put in? thanks! btw we are 13
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fruit, games,get well cards.Maybe some homemade gifts.
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